Church Raided and Pastor Arrested

Pastor An and his family - Photo: ChinaAid
Pastor An and his family
Photo: Facebook via ChinaAid

An Yankui, the pastor of Xuncheng Reformed Church in Taiyuan, was hosting a Bible study in his home on December 30th when approximately three dozen security officers barged in without warning. After restraining those who were attending the study, the officers searched the home and confiscated choir robes, hymnals and Christian books.

Pastor An was taken into custody, along with five Christian women. The women were later released, but An was sentenced to 15 days in jail. This is not the first time the Xuncheng Reformed Church has faced opposition from authorities. A video capturing a previous raid in November 2020 can be viewed at "Pray for Early Rain Covenant Church."

Prayerfully uphold Pastor An and the members of his church who have been specifically targeted by authorities because of their Christian faith. Pray that these followers of Christ will shine God's bright light in the midst of governmental oppression by standing firm and serving as testimonies of His love and grace. Continue to remember the many other Christians who are presently serving time in Chinese prisons because of their unwavering commitment to the Lord who has promised to assuredly and ultimately reward them for their faithfulness.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    The Voice of the Martyrs Canada continues to help distribute Bibles to Christians in the country, making it possible for them to have their own printed version of God's Word. Additionally, VOMC works with various mission partners to facilitate a Biblical understanding of persecution and discipleship, while presenting ways to effectively respond and minister within the context of hostility.

    Project Funds: Underground Church, Bible, Relief & Development

  • Country Information

    Population
    1,413,142,846 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Han Chinese (91.1), ethnic minorities (8.9 - includes Zhang, Hui, Manchu, Uighur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai, and other nationalities) (2021 est.)

    Religion (%)
    Folk religion (21.9), Buddhist (18.2), Christian (5.1), Muslim (1.8), Hindu (< 0.1), Jewish (< 0.1), other (0.7 - includes Daoist [Taoist]), unaffiliated (52.1) (2021 est.)

    Leader
    President Xi Jinping (2013)

    Government type
    Communist party-led state

    Legal system
    Based on civil law system; influenced by Soviet and continental European civil law systems

    Sources: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for China

    Pray that the Gospel will be proclaimed throughout China without government interference so many more names can be added to the Lamb's "Book of Life." May there also be a spirit of unity demonstrated among the country's growing churches, further strengthening existing believers and spurring them on in their ministry service and evangelistic outreach within the country's numerous communities.

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    Believers are singing hymns at the Xuan'en Church.
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    Photo: ChinaAid

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